Lake Michigan is It is 307 miles (494 km) long by 118 miles (190 km) wide. The whole eastern shore of the lake appears to be beaches. The region is often referred to as the “Third Coast”of the United States, after those of the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. The sand is often soft and off-white, known as “singing sands” because of the squeaking noise (caused by high quartz content) it emits when walked upon. Some beaches have sand dunes covered in green beach grass and sand cherries, and the water is usually clear and cool, between 55 and 80 °F (13 and 27 °C),[38] even in the late summer months.
The Milwaukee Reef, running under Lake Michigan from a point between Milwaukee and Racine to a point between Grand Haven and Muskegon, divides the lake into northern and southern basins. Each basin has a clockwise flow of water, deriving from rivers, winds, and the Coriolis effect. The prevailing winds are westerly and tend to move the surface water toward the east. The temperature differential between the land and the water can create strong winds and storms.
Lake Michigan is a boating challenge. There are few places to shelter other than narrow rivers or creeks. Few bays or islands to hide in when things blow up. Its length and orientation means different can weather occur in various parts of the lake. The waves from storms in one section travel to other areas making for an unexpectedly bumpy ride.
Posts from Lake Michigan
- Sault Ste Marie to Detour Village
- St Ignace to Charlevoix
- Mackinaw City
- Charlevoix to Lealand
- Charlevoix
- Leland
- Frankfort
- Manistee
- Ludington
- Pentwater
- White Lake
- Muskegon
- Grand Haven
- Holland
- South Haven
- St Joseph’s
Moon Dance IV 